Waltrip to enter Louisville-themed car at Kentucky Speedway

Here is a look at the University of Louisville-themed paint scheme for the No. 55 Toyota Brian Vickers will drive for Michael Waltrip Racing in the Quaker State 400 at Kentucky Speedway on June 29.

Here is a look at the University of Louisville-themed paint scheme for the No. 55 Toyota Brian Vickers will drive for Michael Waltrip Racing in the Quaker State 400 at Kentucky Speedway on June 29.

For the second year in a row, a Michael Waltrip car will carry the colors of college basketball's national champion during the NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Kentucky Speedway.

Michael Waltrip Racing's No. 55 Toyota, which will be driven by Brian Vickers, will sport University of Louisville colors and a paint scheme honoring the school's 2013 NCAA title, for the Quaker State 400 on June 29 in Sparta.

Last year, Michael Waltrip drove a University of Kentucky-themed car in honor of the Wildcats' 2012 national championship.

This year, the Cardinals' bird mascot on the hood and Vickers' red, black and white fire suit will pay tribute to U of L.

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"This will certainly help my popularity with local fans that weekend," laughed Vickers. "I'm a big fan of sports in general so to have the national champions on board is a huge honor. They are winners and it's always cool to surround yourself with success. Our goal is to make them proud."

Louisville Coach Rick Pitino said he enjoyed the chance to see the Cardinals' colors circling Kentucky Speedway.

"I know how many Louisville basketball fans are NASCAR fans, and like them I'm looking forward to seeing the car on the track," he said. "I think one of those die-cast cars might eventually make it to my office. I've seen the paint scheme and it's really sharp."